Drug interactions
Clonazepam + Sufentanil
Severity: Major
Clonazepam and Sufentanil: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Combining a benzodiazepine with a potent opioid like sufentanil greatly increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonazepam and Sufentanil can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Clonazepam belongs to Central Nervous System; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via GABA-A potentiation and mu-opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Reserve concurrent use for situations where monitoring is available, using minimal doses and continuous respiratory and oxygen saturation monitoring. Have reversal agents and airway support accessible.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Clonazepam
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Clonazepam Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Clonazepam Major
- Alprazolam + Clonazepam Major
- Amobarbital + Clonazepam Major
- Belladonna and opium + Clonazepam Major
Other interactions of Sufentanil
- Alprazolam + Sufentanil Major
- Amitriptyline + Sufentanil Major
- Amobarbital + Sufentanil Major
- Aripiprazole + Sufentanil Major
- Asenapine + Sufentanil Major
- Baclofen + Sufentanil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clonazepam with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clonazepam and Sufentanil can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Combining a benzodiazepine with a potent opioid like sufentanil greatly increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
How serious is the interaction between Clonazepam and Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reserve concurrent use for situations where monitoring is available, using minimal doses and continuous respiratory and oxygen saturation monitoring. Have reversal agents and airway support accessible.
What other medicines interact with Clonazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clonazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Clonazepam page.
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